APD has named Hussein "Mike" Ali Yassine as a person of interest in the 2000 disappearance of Paresh Patel (above)

In yesterday’s installment of the Yassine “clubs’n’coke” trial, government attorneys made a brief and oblique reference to Hussein “Mike” Ali Yassine being connected to a cold case homicide investigation by APD. Now APD has confirmed that with a press release linking Yassine to the 2000 disappearance of Paresh Patel.

Patel, who was a partner in Yassine Enterprises, was last seen in 2000 at Azucar, a now-defunct club on Lavaca. APD says that foul play is suspected in his disappearance, and cite Yassine as “a person of interest.”

Here’s the press release in full:

The Austin Police Department Homicide Cold Case Unit has been working closely with the federal agencies involved in the Yassine Enterprises investigation. A local aspect of the investigation involves the unsolved 2000 disappearance of Paresh Patel, D.O.B 02-29-64. Hussein Ali “Mike” Yassine is considered a person of interest in the disappearance of Paresh Patel.

Patel was reported missing on September 26, 2000 and foul play is suspected. There has been no contact from Patel since September 25, 2000 and no reported sightings.

Patel was last seen on September 25, 2000 at club Azucar; which was located at 400 Lavaca Street. At the time, Patel was a business partner in Yassine Enterprises and owned several local clubs: Azucar, Melagio, Metro, Chrome, Platinum X, and Treasure Island. The investigation revealed that Patel had a disagreement with business partners shortly before his disappearance.

At this time, the Austin Police Department can not provide any further details about this investigation. If anyone has information about Paresh Patel, please contact the Homicide Tip Line at 512-477-3588 or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS (8477) OR 1-800-893-TIPS (8477).

This article appears in March 23 • 2012.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.